More trade aid to farmers? ‘We’ll see what happens,’ says Trump.
Ahead of high-level Sino-U.S. trade talks, President Trump said on Monday that “I would much prefer a big deal” that would end the trade war, while at the same time touting the billions of dollars that farmers are receiving to mitigate the impact of lost exports.
A victory lap on Japan, prodding on USCMA
U.S. farm groups celebrated anew on Monday Japan’s agreement to reduce or eliminate tariffs on $7.2 billion worth of American goods, including beef, pork, poultry, wheat, cheese, wine, and ethanol. President Trump used the ceremonial signing of the pact at the White House to urge congressional approval of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
TODAY’S QUICK HITS
Dairy subsidy enrollment opens (USDA): Dairy farmers have faced “an extremely unforgiving market,” said Agriculture Undersecretary Bill Northey as the USDA opened enrollment for the 2020 Dairy Margin Coverage subsidy. Signup will continue through Dec. 13.
Gene editing produces hornless cattle (BBC): A team of scientists has successfully used gene editing to pass from one generation of cattle to another genes that prevent the animals from growing horns, potentially reducing the risk of harm to farmhands and other cattle, says an article in Nature Biotechnology.
Ethanol mandate to rise to 16 billion gallons (White House): President Trump said the biofuel package negotiated by his administration will put corn ethanol’s share of the gasoline market “close to 16 billion” gallons a year.
U.S. stance could mean trouble for U.K.-EU pact (Financial Times): A leaked document from the British government warns that the United States is likely to press for friendlier trade terms on animal welfare and pesticide residues, among other things, which could damage British negotiations with the EU on food trade.
